It is hard to say. Josemi was signed before Rafa had experience English football and btw he had only play for half a season for us and could be too early to write him off. The signing of Diouf, Diao and Chyrou were mistakes, but these were good players in the French League. We are criticizing Ged, but only with hind sight. Many of us were excited over the prospect of signing Diouf after his WC performance and Cheyrou's brilliant goal against Man U. The problem with Diouf is not his ability, but his attitude. He clearly is a talent when it comes to skill. For those who say who should have bought Anelka instead, there is no certainty that we would have done better with him in the side; it isn't as simple as 1+1=2. Anelka has a questionable attitude too and who knows what trouble he would have created for us and how it would have affected the team.
Diao played an important role in Sedan's fight against relegation and had the physical attribute to be a top player, but he just couldn't make it in England. Cheyrou was a regular in a Champions League team and a French international, another one who failed to shine in England. There is no guarantee when it comes to signing players even if it is within the same league. Signing big names reduces that risk, but also increases the costs should it fail.
Crouch is awkard looking, but it is not a model show on the field. If he can do the job, then he deserves to put on the famous red shirt. Having Crouch doesn't mean that we will play hoof ball, although it gives us the possiblity of playing if if necessary. Style of play means nothing if it cannot get the results. Ultimately, it is the score that counts and under different situations, different tactics should be adopted even if it is dirty diving or long ball. The vital few points that could be gained should be get a late winner or equaliser with such tactics could decide the outcome of the championship.